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Why cloth nappies? - the benefits. Kinder to your baby's skin Disposable nappies contain up to 200 chemicals and it is unresearched as to how many can be absorbed into a baby's skin and the effects they might have. However cloth nappies are mostly made of natural materials, some of which, such as Bamboo, actually have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Better for the environment Around 85% of families still use disposable nappies with the average baby going thorough 5000 nappies - most of which end up in landfill. Disposables take up to 500 years to decompose in landfill sites and produce potent greenhouse gases which can leak into the soil and water supplies. It also costs the taxpayer £40 million to dispose of them. On the other hand cloth nappies take less energy to produce and go on to be used on second and third infants or passed on to others. Saving you money Using cloth nappies can save you on average around £500 per baby bearing in mind that this is dependant on a number of things, mainly on which nappy system you choose (for example terries with wraps are typically cheaper than shaped. With birth to potty nappies you only have one outlay as opposed to 2-3 with sized). However please remember that if you use the same cloth nappies for a second or third child you are saving even more. There is also a high demand for second hand nappies so another factor to take into account is any money you get back from selling or extra savings you make from buying seconds. I wouldnt even suggest you try to work it out exactly how much but in my opinion it's enough of an incentive to at least give cloth nappies a try as the money you save you be well spent elsewhere. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When one thinks of cloth nappies images of terry squares, pins and plastic pants emerge however cloth nappies have moved on somewhat. Of course the traditional terries are still available but so are other types so in this section you can learn the basics such as the types of nappies available today. Flat Nappies - terry squares and prefolds These are the nappies the older generations will remember. However terry squares remain today and are a highly economical and popular choice for a nappy system. Fastened with nappi nippas - the modern day equivalent to nappy pins only much safer. Terries nappies are much more fun and can be purchased in bright bold colours and are also available made from bamboo - the softer, more absorbant alternative to cotton. Prefolds too, are also popular with an array of different folds to suit different babies, boys or girls. Both terries and prefolds need a wrap however you may find some wraps unsuitable for using with prefolds as they require a good fit to hold them in place. Shaped (two-part) Nappies This is a nappy that looks like a disposable by way of shape and how it is fitted but is made from cloth instead. It is often referred to as a two-part nappy as it needs a waterproof cover. Pocket Nappies This is a nappy with a waterproof outer layer and a stay dry inner layer that has an opening (a pocket) where you can 'stuff' the absorbant part of the nappy - an insert or a prefold. There is no need for a wrap. This means there is only one layer to put on which can be especially helpful with wriggly babies and toddler but the main advantage is that you can vary the absorbancy i.e. add extra inserts for night time or long journeys. There are also a few pocket nappies that DO need a wrap (ie: Swaddlebees hemp pocket or Swaddlebees Velour pocket but these are not as popular as many see little advantage to a pocket nappy that needs inserts AND a wrap. All in one nappies All in one's are exactly that - the nappy and the waterproof wrap in one. Made specifically with convenience in mind they make for quick hassle free changes and are ideal as you're out and about nappy or for use at nurseries etc if someone else cares for your baby. Depending on the type you buy you may find they have longer drying times and are much less economical than seperate two-part nappies. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Poppers / Snaps A simple 'pop' is all it takes. Poppers are a convenient fastener depending on how many there are to 'do up'! Depending on the nappy perhaps not as adjustable as other types as you are restricted to the poppers placement. Aplix (like Velcro) Another name for hook and loop fastening strips - a convenient and adjustable fastener for nappies. Nappi Nippas While these are not particularly tricky it might take you a few goes to get the hang of using these and they are not everyones 'cup of tea' - my husband took one look at these and said 'No way!'. Made from flexible rubber like material with three prongs - the heads have gripper teeth to catch the cloth and secure the nappy. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cotton Terry \ Bamboo \ Microfibre \ Hemp \ Organic Why Nappy Needs loves Bamboo!
Bamboo fabric is a natural textile made from the pulp of the bamboo grass. It is quickly becoming extremely popular due to its many unique properties and is more sustainable than most textile fibers. Bamboo fabric is light and strong, has excellent wicking properties which is why its well suited for nappy and towel use and is also antibacterial and anti-fungal. In its unspun form it resembles cotton - a puffball of light, airy fibers. Many companies use extensive bleaching processes to turn bamboo fiber white, however you will find most nappy makers leave the bamboo fiber unbleached and natural. To make bamboo fiber the bamboo is heavily pulped until it separates into thin component threads of fiber, which can be spun and dyed for weaving into cloth. Bamboo fabric is extremely soft therfore can be worn next to skin. Babies who experience allergic reactions to other natural fibers, such as wool or hemp may find this does not happen with bamboo. The fiber is naturally smooth and round without chemical treatment, meaning that there are no sharp spurs to irritate the skin. Bamboo is an eco-friendly and sustainable material because the bamboo plant is very quick growing and easy to cultivate and does not usually require the use of pesticides and herbicides to thrive unlike cotton Due to this many plantations produce organic bamboo negating the need for the use of chemicals that could harm the environment. In textile form, bamboo retains many of the properties it has as a plant - it is highly water absorbent and amazingly able to take up three times its weight in water. This gives bamboo nappies the excellent wicking ability they are known for that will pull moisture away from babies skin. The antibacterial qualities that bamboo material have been proven to remain even after multiple washes which aids in reducing bacteria and unpleasant odours. --------------------------------------------------------------- Starting out with washable cloth nappies-what will I need? When starting out in cloth there are a few things you will need need besides the washable nappies. There are of course optional extras as well. - 18-25 nappies This number of course is dependant on how frequently you plan on washing, your drying method and the types of nappies you have. With quicker drying materials such as microfibre nappies you may need less as you dont have to wait too long for them to dry until you can use them again. You may also find you get through many more with newborn and younger babies than with toddlers. - 3-5 nappy wrap covers We recommend alternating nappy wraps at each change so you may well be using two throughout the day while one is washed. Newborns and younger babies may need 1-2 more because the occassional accident (either while changing them or after explosive movements) is inevitable! - Nappy Liners (paper or fleece) We tend to recommend fleece liners as these are superior at keeping baby drier however many prefer the convenience of paper liners that can be flushed/thrown away with any solids. Rolls of paper liners are consumable and hence are a less economical option - Nappy Bucket Pail with lid A nice sized nappy bucket with well fitting lid is an essential. Used to store dirty nappies until wash day with a lid to contain any odours. - Nappy Laundry Net / Wet Nappy Bag You may want a nappy net to go inside your bucket to make the transferral of dirty nappies over to your washing machine - mess free. Wet Nappy bags are used by many as a laundry bag but mainly as a nappy storage bag whilst out and about ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nappy Wrap / Nappy Cover A waterproof nappy cover that goes over the cloth nappy Boosters A booster is a rounded retangle shape layered material designed to be an added extra to the nappy if it is needed. It can be used inside shaped nappies (or between the nappy and the wrap) or in pocket nappies. Especially recommended for night time when extra absorbancy is needed. Inserts These are absorbant pieces that are put into pocket nappies. Much like boosters they can be slightly shaped or long and thin. Most pocket nappies have specially designed inserts to go with them however inserts is also used to refer to the other things you can put in the pocket such as prefolds or terries as you dont have to use a set one even though it is recommended Liners Every cloth nappy needs a liner (unless of course it has one in built). There are mainly two different types available. Fleece or paper. Each have their own advantages. Fleece is especially good at keeping moisture away from the skin however for older babies and toddlers you will need to flush any solids down the loo - they 'peel' away from fleece liners quite easily in most cases. Paper liners are disposable and can be flushed down the loo with any solids it may contain and most are biodegradable. They allow moisture to pass through one way only keeping baby dry. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cloth nappy abbreviations QD - Quick Dry A quick to dry nappy. BTP - Birth To Potty A nappy that will fit a newborn and a toddler therefore seeing them through from birth until they are potty trained. These nappies are adjusted for a newborn by simply folding down the front usually and have extra fastenings to allow for this. Great for if you have two children in nappies as you only need the one kind. Also more economical than sized nappies as you dont have to pay out for a second size when your baby grows. Also referred to as 'one size' nappies however be aware that Mother-ease have named and trademarked their birth to potty nappy One Size. AIO - All In One A nappy that does not need a seperate wrap/cover as the waterproof wrap is attached to the nappy. A convenient alternative to a two-part nappy system. Ideal for when out and about but usually more expensive than seperates. Can also take longer to dry than seperates but depends on tha brand. WBB - Wam Bamboo A popular bamboo nappy made by Geobel - recently rebranded and redesigned to Bambineo TB - Tots Bots A highly popular brand of cloth nappies ME - Mother-ease Another very well known brand of cloth nappies originating from Canada MEOS - Mother-ease One Size A way of referring to the birth to potty nappy from Mother-ease --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coming soon ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Always check the manufacturer
guidelines before first washing your new nappies but take into
account the following general advice:
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